Rail

Feds seek input on National Rail Plan vision

Dates and locations of public outreach meetings to solicit input toward the development of the nation's first National Rail Plan were announced on Monday by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The National Rail Plan will lay out a coordinated vision for future development of the nation's freight and passenger rail networks. A final version of the plan is set to be released by Sept. 15, 2010.

"The development of the National Rail Plan must be a collaborative effort," said FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "We want to work with states, communities, businesses, transportation experts and the public to make sure our future transportation needs are met."

The moderated sessions will be held in five different regions and are open to media and the public. The schedule is as follows:

In addition to the outreach events, FRA is accepting written comments from interested individuals and organizations through a public docket that has been created for that purpose. Instructions on how to submit comments on the National Rail Plan are available here.

Economic development within one-half mile of the system has been stimulated by ridership that has exceeded original projections. Valley Metro began compiling development activity since construction started in 2005 as part of an economic development database.

The new bike car contains 14 racks that will provide more room to maneuver bicycles on and off the train. A set of seats were removed from the lower level of the vehicle to make room for the bike racks.